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The Classroom Newsletter
🍧 Soak Up the Summer: Summer Humor, Healthy Summer Planning, & Summer Time Swag!
Mitch Fairchild
May 23, 2025
In This Issue:
Lesson Planning: Multimedia Resources
Classroom Management: Providing Feedback and Constructive Criticism
Parent Communication: Summer Learning
Burnout Busters: Invest in Your Skills Over the Summer
Health and Wellness: Set Realistic Fitness Goals This Summer
Bonus Prompts: Teacher Side Hustle & DALL-E in Action
Homeroom Swag: Summer Time Fun Time Letters & Numbers Set
Laughter Lounge: Have a Great Summer Y’all...
Poll Position: Favorite Summer Activities
Happy Friday Y’all,
We’ve made it! As the final bell of the school year approaches, let’s breathe deeply, smile wide, and reflect on how far we’ve come. This week’s quote reminds us of the joy and rejuvenation summer can bring:
“May your summer be like the perfect lesson plan—engaging, enjoyable, and exactly what you need.” — Author Unknown (but probably a teacher)
That’s not just a cute wish, it’s a challenge. Because in all honesty y’all, lesson plans don’t just happen. They’re built with intention, creativity, flexibility, and care… just like a meaningful summer. Whether you’re resting, recharging, learning something new, or launching a side hustle, what you choose to do matters.
In this final issue of the semester (don’t worry… we’ll be here all Summer), we’ve packed in prompts and inspiration to help you end strong and start summer with momentum. From multimedia-rich lessons and effective feedback systems to investing in yourself physically, professionally, or entrepreneurially, this is your permission slip to design a summer that serves you well.
Now, let’s look at how we can leverage ChatGPT (or your favorite generative AI platform) to help turn your classroom into an optimal learning environment:
Scenario:
Mr. Gonzalez wanted to spice up his 6th grade science lesson on ecosystems. Instead of another slideshow, he asked ChatGPT to help him develop a lesson plan that included short video clips, podcasts, and interactive simulations to reach every kind of learner in the room.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a lesson plan for [subject/topic] and include multimedia resources to engage different learning styles and preferences.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Reaches all learners: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners feel included.
Enhances engagement: Dynamic materials keep students focused and excited.
Strengthens retention: Students remember lessons that tap into multiple senses..
Scenario:
Mrs. Kent was struggling to give her 9th grade writing students feedback that actually made a difference. She wanted a system that would help her deliver feedback that was fast, focused, and empowering.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me develop a system for providing timely and constructive feedback to my students, ensuring that feedback is specific, actionable, and encouraging for my students.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Improves student growth: Clear feedback helps students know exactly how to improve.
Saves time: A system reduces grading overwhelm and delays.
Builds confidence: Encouraging language makes feedback feel like support—not critique.
Scenario:
Ms. Reynolds wanted to provide meaningful suggestions to parents who asked, “What can we do to keep learning over the summer?” She wanted a letter that offered helpful, non-overwhelming guidance based on each student’s needs.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], suggesting activities for summer learning. Provide activities, resources, or programs that strengthen [list areas that need improvement]. Give strategies and explain how these strategies can help maintain and enhance their child’s academic skills over the summer break.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Fosters partnership: Keeps families engaged in the learning process year-round.
Prevents learning loss: Students maintain progress through targeted activities.
Personalizes support: Parents feel equipped to help in meaningful ways.
Scenario:
Mr. Marshall wanted to make the most of his summer downtime. Instead of just resting, he wanted to level up his tech integration skills—and asked ChatGPT to help him find the best trainings for his goals.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Help me identify areas where I can invest in my teaching skills through courses or training over the Summer. This investment should focus on [list specific areas in need of improvement, e.g., technology integration, assessment techniques].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Boosts confidence: Investing in growth reignites your passion and preparedness.
Improves instruction: Fresh strategies lead to better student outcomes.
Builds momentum: You return in the fall feeling skilled and inspired.
Scenario:
Ms. Ellis wanted to feel stronger and more energized over the break but didn’t want to overcommit and burn out. She used ChatGPT to help her set realistic, achievable goals tied to her health and schedule.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to set realistic fitness goals this Summer. Help me create a plan to achieve [specific fitness goals] within my [number of months on break] month Summer Break.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes consistency: Small steps lead to sustainable habits.
Prioritizes well-being: Physical health supports mental clarity and mood.
Empowers action: A plan gives you structure—and results.
Teacher Side Hustle: Educational Product Development
Scenario:
Mr. Hines had a stack of flashcards and study guides he created over the years. He realized they could actually help other educators—and generate income. He used ChatGPT to map out his next steps.
ChatGPT Prompts:
Start: “I want to develop and sell my [describe the educational product(s) you’ve developed: i.e. flashcards, study guides, etc.]. What are the first steps in product development?”
Build: “Create a marketing plan for launching and selling my educational products online.”
Grow: “What are the best ways to expand my product line and reach a larger audience in the education market?”
The Benefits Of Thes Prompts:
Turns creativity into income: Your classroom tools become business tools.
Builds entrepreneurial skills: Learn how to brand, market, and scale.
Inspires innovation: Teachers become creators, not just consumers.
DALL·E In Action: Orchestra Concert
Scenario:
Ms. Porter wanted to create a digital memory for her high school orchestra’s final concert. She used DALL·E to generate an image of the concert scene as a gift for her students and their families.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Generate a scene of a high school orchestra concert, complete with teacher conducting and proud parents in the audience.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Celebrates achievement: Visuals commemorate important student milestones.
Builds community: Parents feel valued and involved.
Encourages creativity: AI-generated visuals enhance classroom storytelling.
This week’s “Summer Time Fun Time” bulletin board letters and numbers set screams summer! Each character is decked out in colorful beach balls, snowcones, flip-flops, sunglasses, and more, designed to capture the energy of your last-day countdown, summer send-off, or hallway luau.
Perfect Uses Include:
“Have a Sweet Summer!” displays
End-of-year class party signs
Field day banners or photo booth backdrops
Staff lounge makeovers to end the year with flair
Whatever you’re planning… make it loud, fun, and festive with this vibrant set!
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Bottom Line Y’all…
“May your summer be like the perfect lesson plan—engaging, enjoyable, and exactly what you need.” And just like a lesson plan, the best summers aren’t just about the activities—they’re about the purpose behind them. Rest. Reflect. Reignite.
Whether you’re developing digital resources, diving into professional growth, or setting fitness goals that finally stick, remember… you get to decide what this summer will be. Use what we’ve shared this week to support not just your students, but yourself as you head into this season of restoration.
Here’s to the summer you deserve… with joy in your heart, wisdom in your pocket, and momentum in your stride. Have A Blessed Summer Y’all!
Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!
Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter